Message from Minister of IT

On the occasion of 149th World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, I would like to congratulate the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its efforts in successfully laying the foundations of a just, equitable and people-centered information society. ITU's theme for this year, "Broadband for Sustainable Development" is very much aligned with the vision of our government and personally to my endeavours.
'Accelerated Digitization' is our focus and I believe that proliferation of broadband is a key to it. Our initiatives are targeted at stimulating whole ecosystem for broadband penetration - from creating demand to supply of application and services including physical infrastructure while having an eye on ultimate socio-economic growth associated with ICTs.
For creating high quality applications and services, Ministry of IT through Pakistan Software Export Board, has initiated a process for accreditation and certification of IT companies as per international standards. e-Government platform is being implemented on fast track to connect government bodies which will subsequently support in provisioning of e-services to the people. Research and Innovation in ICTs is required to develop indigenous application and services - we recognise this fact and our Research and Development Company is fully geared up to seek, gather and fund innovative ideas which can be materialised and put to field.
Broadband infrastructure development is a critical element in ensuring that ICTs are used as delivery vehicles for e-agriculture, e-learning, e-health, e-education, e-governance, e-trade and e-commerce in order to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth. Therefore, our policy priorities regarding infrastructure include availability of spectrum for broadband, extensive deployment of fiber optic cable and satellite backhauling.
Just recently, on 23rd April 2014, we concluded spectrum auction for 3G and 4G services in Pakistan. I believe this will catalyse the penetration of broadband in masses and will serve as milestone in ICT development in the country. The impact of broadband penetration is well known; according to a World Bank report, every 10% increase in penetration can result in up to 1.38% increase in GDP. Employment figures, direct and indirect, associated with this auction are predicted at more than 900,000 in next 5 years.
Universal Service Fund Company (USF) has already been tasked by the Ministry to aggressively extend fiber optic cable connectivity in Pakistan. Under this program USF is deploying optical fiber cable/node to each underserved Tehsil Headquarter and all major en-route towns with population of 15000 and above. Another forthcoming project aimed at bridging the digital divide between rural and urban communities is establishment of Universal Telecenters across the Pakistan. In the first phase, 500 telecenters will be established in un-served and underserved rural and semi urban areas of the four provinces and Islamabad. Such centers will provide public access to ICT services to the people.
Let me also highlight that although the government is proactive and thoughtful but to achieve the vision of transforming Pakistan into an information society, and to fully benefit from broadband we need to develop strong partnerships among government, industry and other stakeholders. We need to engage in consultations to develop a future roadmap heading towards sustainable growth and development of ICTs. I also emphasise upon the need of local manufacturing of mobile phones, network equipment and computers in Pakistan owing to the demand of Pakistani market. With the potential which we have in terms of IT intellect, there seem no barriers in achieving all the above and even beyond that.
Today, the Government of Pakistan stands ready to embrace the promise of the ICT revolution and together with local, regional and international stakeholders we will ensure that every measure is taken to put the nation on the track of 'e' and 'm revolution in the quest for ultimately prosperity.
I would like to thank ITU for selecting this theme which would certainly help us in taking further initiatives to accelerate the penetration and of broadband to be used it as an instrument to empower and equip people with information and knowledge to achieve the overall goals of sustainable development.